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title: Using Mirrors
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# Using Mirrors

## Effective Use

Using your mirrors **frequently and intelligently** is vital to good driving.  
Learning to judge the **speed and distance** of vehicles behind takes practice.

Try this exercise while stationary:

- - Compare what you see in your **interior mirror** and **exterior mirrors**.
    - Notice that vehicles appear smaller in exterior mirrors.
    - Then look over your shoulder to confirm the true position of traffic.
    - Identify your **blind spots** — areas your mirrors can’t show.

## Choosing the Right Mirror

Use the **interior mirror first**, followed by the **exterior mirrors** as needed.

The mirror you use depends on your **manoeuvre** and **driving situation**.

For example, before turning left in slow-moving traffic, check your **nearside mirror** for cyclists filtering along your left.

## When to Check Your Mirrors

Always check your mirrors **in good time** — well before:

- Approaching a hazard
- Slowing down or stopping
- Changing direction or lane
- Turning left or right
- Overtaking
- Signalling
- Moving off
- Opening your car door

## When Checking Mirrors, Ask Yourself

- How close is the traffic behind me?
- How fast is it moving?
- What is it doing?
- Is it safe to carry out my manoeuvre?
- How will my signal affect other drivers?

Using mirrors early allows other road users time to react to your signals and intentions.

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